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San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Small Group Walking Tour

15 Reviews 4.73 out of 5 stars Based on 15 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | San Diego, USA

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2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

This tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is a fascinating look back to the early days of San Diego. Once known as “The Stingaree,” the town started out on a sour note. You’ll hear tales of its crime-ridden history and how it became a thriving port.

Our immersive Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour starts at The Spreckles Theater and continues past several historic structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Each building has a story to tell, from former brothels to gambling halls, and the beautiful details of the windows and facades are a feast for the eyes.

As we walk through the Gaslamp District, your guide will share little-known facts about what it was like to live in this once rough-and-tumble town. You’ll even learn about that time Harry Houdini made a stop in San Diego!

Your tour guide will leave with insider recommendations for must-try restaurants in the area plus tips for more to see and do if you have time, including shows, nightlife, and activities that take place daily.

What's Included

  • Local guide
  • Food and Drink
  • Gratuities
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Ends at the Gaslamp Arch

What To Expect

Spreckels Theatre

A marvel of design in continuous operation since 1912 Commissioned by the Sugar Magnate John D. Spreckles, this theater is considered acoustically perfect.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Horton Plaza Park

Formerly a hitching post and carriage stop, the park was created by Alonzo Horton as a respite for the guests of the Horton Hotel.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

An opulent and haunted 1910 landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. and his wife, this hotel spared no expense and is still the premier destination for presidents and dignitaries who visit San Diego.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Balboa Theatre

Beautifully constructed to coincide with the Pan-American Exposition, the theater has two working waterfalls that were designed as an early cooling system. In World War II the offices upstairs were used to house sailors going off to war.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mad House Comedy Club

Known as the Ingle Building, it was the original home to Ye Old Golden Lion, a mens only restaurant. The upstairs space was used as a front for two "mens clubs" that circumvented the prohibition laws of the day.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Historic Louis Bank of Commerce

One of the most photographed buildings downtown, once home to an infamous San Diego madam who used a unique way to communicate with foreign sailors interested in her "Ladies." The bottom storefront was an oyster bar favored by Wyatt Earp.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Yuma Building

A beautiful example of Victorian architecture made entirely of brick. The building was constructed by Captain Wilcox, the same man who designed the false bay that we know as Mission Bay.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

Opened in 1913 as a theater, you could see two feature films, a comedy short, a cartoon and a western serial for ten cents. It is now home to the world-renowned chocolatier.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

The oldest structure downtown, rumored to be one of the most haunted homes in the country. Moved from it's original location to where it stands today, it is the home of the Historical Society of San Diego.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Horton Grand Hotel

Built in 1887, once home to several dignitaries and now home to several ghosts. It was moved to it's current location brick by brick. It's original bar and front desk were found in a church basement in New York and returned to the hotel.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Pass By)

The San Diego Old Spaghetti Factory is located in the old McKenzie, Flint and Winsby building, in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. The building was constructed in 1898.
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Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter Archway was symbolic as a declaration that the City of San Diego was committed to continuing the redevelopment of Downtown. This stop also includes a story about Harry Houdini and his one and only stop in San Diego.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Small Group Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-46280P13

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.73
15 reviews

Average 4.73 out of 5 stars based on 15 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
11
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
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1 star
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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Local guide
  • Food and Drink
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PDT).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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